Drunk man assaulted partner

Stephen Blair, 45, admitted assaulting Helen Lawson at the home they shared in Ince on December 23, 2015, and then of causing £400 damage to her car on May 14.

Wigan Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday how the couple had been in a relationship for 10 years and lived together with Miss Lawson’s 14-year-old daughter.

Sarah Perkins, prosecuting, said: “The defendant assaulted Helen Lawson by holding her round the throat so she struggled to breath and punched her in the face causing a significant black eye. The defendant had been drinking.”

Blair, of John’s Avenue, Haydock, was released on bail for sentencing on June 21.